WASHINGTON D.C. (WLNS) – Testimonies were delivered at the nation’s Capital this afternoon, as Flint officials asked congress to help fix their city.

Congress invited Governor Rick Snyder to testify along with Flint officials in Washington D.C., but he declined in order to deliver budget recommendations to the state legislature in Lansing.

But House Democrats who were part of the hearing Wednesday, say they still want answers from the governor. Instead they heard from Flint’s Mayor, a pediatrician from Hurley Medical Center, and the Flint Schools Superintendent.

They asked Congress to make fixing the problems in Flint a top priority.

Much of the focus in the hearing lead by committee members was not only to help fix Flint, but help the children who live there as well.

“There’s no accountability for what these manager’s do because they report only to the governor,” Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said.

Mayor Weaver spoke out about the fear, anger, and frustration that has consumed the city’s residents, saying businesses have closed, people have left, and they’re still worried about the water.

“Lack of jobs, loss of trust and confidence in government officials who have had charge over them,” she said. “We are of people who have had our democratic rights taken away from us by emergency manager law.”

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician at Hurley Medical Center in flint, also testified.

She said the contaminated water needs attention starting now and in the years to come.

The Flint Schools Superintendent spoke on behalf of the city’s students.

“Our current situation is an anxious, heartbreaking challenge, but it is the challenge we face now and well into the foreseeable future,” Bilal Kareem Tawaab said. “I am dedicated to providing a quality education to all of our students. Every child matters in Flint.”

U.S. Representative Dan Kildee is pushing for an emergency spending bill that provides for $765 million to help fix the problems in Flint.

It would help the city replace it’s lead contaminated pipes and give support to all of the children poisoned by the water.

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